Trent Alexander-Arnold Set for Make-or-Break Showdown With Thomas Tuchel Following Shock Omission

Trent Alexander-Arnold has received encouraging news regarding his prospects for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after England boss Thomas Tuchel pledged to arrange a meeting with the Real Madrid player to address his international prospects.

Alexander-Arnold has appeared only once for England under Tuchel's management—a brief 26-minute substitute appearance against Andorra in June—and was again left out of November's squad despite England having already secured qualification for next summer's competition.

Physical problems kept the ex-Liverpool fullback from selection in September and October, with Alexander-Arnold having limited playing time at Madrid after an extended period recovering from a hamstring problem. He has managed only seven outings for Los Blancos since the summer's Club World Cup.

Nevertheless, Tuchel has kept the possibility open for Alexander-Arnold's comeback. "Initially, it's my responsibility now to establish contact with everyone, players such as Trent," the German coach said when asked about the defender's international prospects.

"Players who are part of our extended list—55 to 60 players—to contact, stay connected and clarify why they weren't included. Clarify what they need to accomplish, areas for development—can they take action [to earn selection] or is it simply my decision?"

Tuchel disclosed he would arrange face-to-face meetings with players like Alexander-Arnold, or conduct video conferences at minimum. "[It's] preferable via Facetime. Then I observe their reactions, at least, and gauge the individual. Or I must visit them personally, visit training facilities.

"We can arrange group meetings—we can include Jude [Bellingham] and Trent—and visit the teams. Some we will contact by phone. We'll determine the approach. We've just concluded this international break and I believe it's crucial that I connect with everyone, including those we haven't selected consistently to inform them of their status and provide candid assessment."

Trent Alexander-Arnold Faces Competition

Reece James seems to be Tuchel's preferred option at right back, though the former Chelsea boss deployed Bayer Leverkusen's Jarell Quansah in that position during the win against Albania recently. Tuchel acknowledged that Alexander-Arnold's ex-Liverpool teammate currently ranks higher in his considerations.

"I have significant confidence in Jarell," Tuchel explained. "I recognize his ability but I see the complete profile [as well]. He possesses height, pace, strength in possession, aerial ability. I witnessed him performing excellently for Liverpool in this role [right back]. So I've always been eager to test [him there]. And he features in every match for Leverkusen since the Under-21 Euros [which he captured with England]. So he is, currently, marginally in front."

Tuchel will announce his next squad in March 2026, when England will have learned their World Cup group stage adversaries.

Along with James and Quansah, players including Tino Livramento, Kyle Walker and Djed Spence are also vying with Alexander-Arnold for a right back spot. The Madrid star must regain his form in the upcoming months to earn his way back into Tuchel's considerations.